Durga Visarjan: Maa Durga’s Holy Departure To Abode

Durga Visarjan marks the ending of Durga Puja festivities as on this day Maa Durga departs back to her abode (Mount Kailash). A popular tradition of Sindur Khela is performed prior to the immersion. Durga Visarjan is the most eye-catching event in Maharashtra, Bengal and Gujarat and is celebrated with a bang.

Durga Visarjan is celebrated on the last day of Navratri. On this day, the idols of Maa Durga are worshipped for the last time by their devotees. They put vermilion on the forehead of the Goddess and perform Aarti. Idols of the Goddess are taken out in procession in which the devotees sing and dance praising Maa Durga. “Dhunchi” dance is also performed in front of the Goddess while drummers beat their drums traditionally. A smoking mixture of tinder, camphor, coconut husk (dhuno) and incense are poured inside the brimmed pots of clay (dhunuchi). These pots are held by the devotees in their hands while they sway to the beats of dhakis. The dance gets more intense with the rise in tempo of the dhakis. The idols are finally immersed in the rivers or lakes and the celebration comes to an end. With the immersion of the idols in water the devotees feel sad as the Goddess goes back to her abode after so many days of celebrations and rituals.

In many regions of India, Goddess Durga’s Darpana Visarjan is performed in the morning and idol immersion is done in the evening. On this occasion, families, relatives and friends visit each other and exchange sweets and gifts.

Sindur Khela

Married women dress traditionally and put vermilion on their foreheads as a part of their Sindoor Khela Ritual. With this custom they ask Mother Durga to bless longevity to their husbands and prosperity for the family.

Visarjan Ritual

After performing Udwasan puja, the idols of Goddess Durga are carried on Rath (Chariot) and immersed in water. Before immersing the idols they are placed in the pandals right from the sixth day of Navratri. This ritual is also known as Durga Nimajjan and is generally celebrated on Vijay Dashmi Day. Devotees loudly chant the name of the Goddess and the whole atmosphere itself depicts the importance this day holds.

Durga Visarjan is celebrated on Vijay Dashmi but in some regions of the country it is celebrated on Navami also.